State and animal welfare organizations have joined to place a former pet bear in a sanctuary. The Humane Society of the United States, Kansas Wildlife and Parks, and Veterinary staff from the Kansas City Zoo assisted in providing care and moving Justice the bear to the International Exotic Animal Sanctuary in Texas.

Justice was originally purchased from a safari park in Springfield, Mo. at just two weeks of age. Justice was living in his owner’s home, but was then relegated to an outdoor kennel as he became too much to handle.

Midge Grinstead, Kansas state director for The HSUS, stated: “We are grateful for the team effort in rescuing Justice and providing him a better life. Bears and other dangerous wild animals should not be kept in people’s homes or in backyards. This case is a perfect example that the average person is not properly equipped to own and care for these animals.”

Kansas has prohibited the private ownership of bears and big cats since 2006. Justice was purchased in 2013 in violation of the law. The owner will not face criminal charges due to his cooperation. Kansas still allows primates, wolves and other dangerous animals to be kept as private pets. The HSUS is working to strengthen the state’s law.